Celebrate National Women’s History Month by honoring the incredible accomplishments of the legendary Ms. Robbie Montgomery in show business and the food industry.
The lovely Robbie Montgomery, courtesy herstory of Essence
Originally published on March 12, 2024; reissued for Robbie Montgomery’s birthday in June!
I wish to take a moment to honor the incredible Ms. Robbie Montgomery. She is an icon in the fields of both show business and the food industry, and I feel it is important to acknowledge her accomplishments. And with it currently being National Women’s Month, it gives me even more joy to pay tribute to this multi-talented and extraordinary woman.
Who?
Robbie Montgomery (born June 16, 1940) is an American singer and restaurateur. She is noted for being one of the original Ikettes in the Ike & Tina Turner Revue in the 1960s. After her tenure as an Ikette, she was a member of the Mirettes and then became a “Night Tripper” for Dr. John. In the 1970s, Montgomery was a backing vocalist for acts such as Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand, the Rolling Stones, and Joe Cocker. She later created the Sweetie Pie franchise and starred in the award-winning reality series Welcome to Sweetie Pies. Wikipedia.
The Headlines
Her son — former business partner and TV show co-star James “Tim” Norman — last year was convicted on federal murder-for-hire charges in the death of nephew Andre Montgomery Jr., Montgomery’s grandson. Customers came in droves to support Sweetie Pie’s final day of business in St. Louis on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022.
Welcome To Sweetie Pie’s’: Final Location Closed Amid Miss Robbie’s Son Being Found Guilty In Murder-For-Hire Plot On Nephew. The world-famous soul food restaurant Sweetie Pie’s in St. Louis, Missouri, featured on OWN, closed its doors for good after Tim Norman was found guilty of orchestrating his nephew’s murder. Tim is now serving a life sentence for his charges.
OWN:
Courtesy of OWN
Welcome to Sweetie Pie was OWN’s first breakout hit that helped the network find its identity and start catering more to African American audiences. It became a signature series for OWN, which found stability, ratings growth, and more hits. It ranks as the #2 original Saturday-night series in OWN history among the network’s core demo of women 25-54 and in total viewers and was 2017’s #2 original cable series on Saturday nights for African American women.
“For nearly seven years, our viewers have fallen in love and followed an incredible journey with Miss Robbie, Tim, and the whole family,” said Erik Logan, president, of OWN. “It comes with immense gratitude and appreciation as we send off the series for its final season and make OWN history by celebrating 100 memorable episodes.”
Welcome to Sweetie Pie will mark its 100th episode finale on Saturday, June 9 with a special 60-minute after-show immediately following the finale. Hosted by comedian/actress Kym Whitley, the special will feature Miss Robbie, Tim, Charles, Monique, Jan, Linda, and Cousin Michelle, as they share behind-the-scenes stories from the run of the entire series.
New Beginnings:
Montgomery has plans to open Sweetie Pie’s 2nd Act at Kingshighway Boulevard and Dr. Martin Luther King Drive in north St. Louis, just east of Sherman Park. The restaurant would mark the first location since the brand’s last location, Sweetie Pie’s Upper Crust on Delmar Boulevard, closed last fall.
Music:
TV Personality, Singer-songwriter, and Restaurateur MS. ROBBIE Releases The Visuals To Her Empowerment New Single, “BOSS LADY”
“BOSS LADY” was written by Robbie Montgomery and Latoya Sharen and produced by Robbie Montgomery and Avyon. “Boss Lady’ is more than just a song; it’s an anthem of empowerment, a resonating echo of my journey. This song speaks to the heart of being strong, embodying courage, and chasing your dreams with relentless passion. It’s about rising as a go-getter, embracing your power, and becoming whomever you aspire to be in life. ‘Boss Lady’ is not just music; it’s a testimony to the strength and resilience every woman holds within,” mentions Ms. Robbie.
Courtesy of The Urban Music Scene
More:
I had the wonderful pleasure of being the co-host of The historic Voyager Nightclub reunion at the Rose Bar in West downtown, and we retained Ms. Robbie Montgomery to cater the food. Similarly, Ms. Robbie also is a member of the St. Louis Black Chambers of Commerce, and we chopped it up during the holiday networking event last December.
The closing of The Upper Crust location put a dagger in most locals, including myself. I would go there to grab lunches for my home care clients. Because it was a pleasure seeing their faces light up from receiving the great soul food.
In conclusion, despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks throughout her life, Ms. Montgomery remained resilient and persevered. She became a successful businesswoman and beloved celebrity, all while staying true to her roots and being a positive role model for her community.
I found this video by KSDK News 5.
#WomenEmpowerment #BlackExcellence #FoodIndustryTrailblazer
